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Italian Rice Salad

Italian Rice Salad
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This Italian Rice Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish perfect for summer. Combining fluffy long-grain rice with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing, it offers a light yet satisfying meal bursting with classic Italian flavors. Ideal for quick lunches, potlucks, or as a colorful side dish, this versatile salad can be customized to suit various preferences and is naturally gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice: Rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. Cook it according to package instructions until tender. Spread the cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool quickly and prevent clumping.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the rice cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, pit and chop the Kalamata olives, and tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces to release their aroma.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.
  4. Combine and Toss: Place the cooled rice in a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared vegetables and basil, then pour the dressing over everything. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the Italian Rice Salad for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan or additional torn basil leaves if desired.

Notes

  • Use cooled rice to avoid sogginess.
  • Pick ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor.
  • Balance the acidity and oil in the dressing according to taste.
  • Rest the salad before serving to enhance flavor depth.
  • Add fresh basil just before serving to keep its vibrant color and aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian rice salad, summer salad, gluten free salad, easy rice salad, fresh vegetable salad

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